Five Tips For Indecisive Valentines
Hate it or love it, blissfully single or comfortably part of a duo, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the city is buzzing with lovers, both young and old, trying to find that perfect present to show they care. Maybe you’ve just started seeing someone new and are looking for something fun to do that won’t freak him or her out. Maybe you’ve spent countless romantic holidays together and are looking for something that will make this one stand out. Either way, take advantage of the quirky and charming things New York has to offer and make V Day 2011 one you’ll never forget!
If you’re looking for…
An adventure. Appeal to the young lad no doubt still lingering within him by scoring a pair of tickets to Treasure Island. Fond memories are bound to re-surface as you watch the beloved novel sail off the page and onto the stage in this adaptation by Tony-award winner, B.H. Barry. After the show, grab a pirate-inspired drink and snack at nearby Smoke Joint and keep the energy-level high with a trip to Prospect Park. Since you’re already in Brooklyn, take advantage of this urban oasis conceived by the same architects who designed Central Park. It all depends on the weather of course but if this winter has been any indication, there’s a pretty good chance there’ll be enough snow on the ground to go sledding, build a snowman or delight in an enchanting winter walk in The Long Meadow.
A truly unique bauble. Forget those cheesy big-box jewelry store commercials all over TV and opt for the unexpected. Who cares about diamonds when the trinkets at In God We Trust are so darn cute? At this adorable local boutique with 4 outposts (two in Brooklyn, two in Manhattan), you can find something wistfully whimsy for the downtown dude or dudette in your life with a flair for the unusual. Standouts include the tiny animal cufflinks in sterling silver, delicate wishbone cuff bracelets, and their signature brass heart pendants inscribed with some very sassy sayings. Feeling the vintage vibe in this sweet shop? Continue to ogle beautiful costume pieces from days gone by in Chekhov’s Three Sisters. Its starry cast decked out in gorgeous Victorian garb make this already heartbreakingly beautiful classic even more stunning.
Avant-garde dining. For fans of Top Chef and foodies in general, you haven’t really lived in New York if you haven’t visited wd-50. Wylie Dufresne, a previous contestant on Iron Chef America and judge on Top Chef, is the owner of this hip Lower East Side joint that specializes in molecular gastronomy (or the movement to incorporate science and new techniques into the presentation and preparation of food for us laypeople.) Sound daunting? Pick the 12-course tasting menu, which will get you a smorgasbord of restaurant favorites like scrambled egg ravioli with avocado, foie gras with a passion fruit center and a smoked salmon bagel, the New York City staple with a very whimsical, high-brow edge. At $140 a pop, it’s not cheap but the experience is priceless and one you and your companion surely won’t forget. Save big on the entertainment portion of the evening by scoring discounted tickets to your choice of Broadway or Off-Broadway show by visiting the TKTS booth day of and getting tickets for as much as 50 percent off.
A spin on the sweet stuff. Chocolate and bacon may sound like a stomach-turning combination of flavors but those who’ve tried it disagree and have played a huge part in putting Vosges Haut Chocolat on the map. Their worldly confections blend premium chocolate with the finest spices from around the world. Think super rich dark chocolate infused with curry, cocoa butter white chocolate laced with pink peppercorns and, of course, deep milk chocolate flecked with bits of applewood bacon. Your date might be brave enough to taste these zany treats but really test if they have guts by taking them to see Play Dead where the inky blackness of the theater and the macabre ghost stories will make even the most fearless souls act like scaredy cats!
Old-school romance. If you’re an old soul at heart and don’t buy into the idea that grand romantic gestures are outdated, hop into a cab and head uptown to The Triad where Jacques Brel Returns has extended its acclaimed run. An immensely talented rotating cast performs selections from Jacques Brel’s fiercely passionate repertoire, making for a memorable and intimate evening. Pop in to Wine and Roses just two blocks up on Columbus where a cozy ambience, gourmet food and a 2-for-1 wine special await!